Athletic Target Fernando Llorente Wants To Stay At Tottenham Next Season

“There aren’t many players who can improve what we already have.” Rafa Alkorta was honest in an interview with Onda Vascawhen discussing the chances of Athletic signing a few players this summer. He’s right though. The small pool of players who are eligible to play for Athletic only contains a few that would actually strengthen the squad. Ander Herrera, Javi Martinez, and Fernando Llorente are the top three targets and it’s more likely that none will return than Athletic actually signing at least one of them.

Of all the targets, Llorente has always seemed the most probable to return to San Mamés. Athletic nearly signed the striker back in January but an injury to Harry Kane put an end to negotiations. The 34-year-old will see his contract expire this summer, though Tottenham have an option to extend it for another year, and several sources claim that Athletic will make him an offer.

Over the past few months Llorente has openly stated that he would like to return to Athletic and that he expects to leave Tottenham this summer. All of that seems to have changed when he spoke with Sky Sports after Tuesday’s Champions League match against Ajax. “I would love to stay one more year, but the truth is that I’m not thinking much about that right now. Within a few weeks I’m sure there will be time to think about my future and see what is best for everyone.”

If Llorente does leave Tottenham this summer it’s certain that Athletic will do everything possible to bring him back to the club. However, that remains to be seen as his future in England still hasn’t been decided. “The little we know about Fernando Llorente is that he’s happy at Tottenham and playing in the Champions League”, Alkorta said. The idea of Llorente coming back to San Mamés is controversial and there’s already drama now.